Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Dragon's Keep(TDK)?

TDK is a unique role-playing game and improv show that mixes improvisational theatre with a Dungeons & Dragons style LARP (Live Action Role Playing). Think Saturday Night Live meets Lord of the Rings with Audience Participation. The cast play all of the NPC's (Non-Player Characters, like monsters) and a few selected members of the audience are called up on stage to be the PC's (Player Characters). Only audience members that fill out a character card prior to the beginning of the show will be eligible to be called up on stage. These audience "party members" are given a quest. To assist them with this quest they are given a spell orb (with seven spell charges), weapons and armor. With the aid of a guide (one of our cast members), the party is lead through a somewhat perilous adventure that tests their wits, strength, and overall moral worth. Some party members successfully make it through the entire adventure, and others.well, let's just say they aren't as lucky. Every show is a chapter in our ongoing, two-year story arc, so every show is unique.

Do I have to participate?

No, but it's a lot more fun if you do! Only audience members that fill out a character card prior to the beginning of the show will be eligible to be called up on stage. You are welcome to remain in the audience and cheer or jeer your favorite players or monsters. If you are curious about how to put a character together, feel free to contact us at info@the-dragons-keep.com or ask one of our actors in the lobby prior to the show. To see what classes and skills your character is eligible for, click here.

What is a Player Character?

A Player Character is an audience member who has submitted a "Character Card" prior to the beginning of the show. If their card is chosen, they are called up on stage. A total of five Player Characters are chosen from the audience and they form a party. That party is given a quest to accomplish within the time span of the show. But don't worry if you're not one of the five chosen at the beginning of the quest. Tragically (not!) some players die, and we need a pool of ready, willing and able replacements available.

How are the Player Characters chosen?

The "Character Cards" are chosen at random backstage by the cast. The one exception to this is when we have a "Champion of the People" episode.

What is a Champion of the People (CotP)?

These are player characters that the audience has voted as their favorites and we create an episode just for them. Here's how it works:

1. After you see a TDK show you will be handed an "Election Form". On that form will be a line for the audience to write who their favorite Player Character of the evening was.
2. Every four months, TDK tallies these votes and the top five voted Player Characters are decided. We then call these five lucky players and invite them to be a part of the Champion of the People episode.
3. The CotP episode is tailor-made for these "contestants". They are sent on a quest (just like in our regular shows), but the quest is MUCH MORE DIFFICULT.
4. If anyone is still alive by the end of the adventure, the audience then votes on who they want their "Champion" to be -- there can be only one.
5. The winner of this title gets to unlock a "new" class that he/she can add to their existing CotP character. This additional class contains new skills that the standard classes do not have. BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! This winner will secure a spot in the "Champion of Champions" tournament. We can't reveal what the winner of this tournament gets, but it's REALLY, REALLY GOOD!

What creatures inhabit your realm and what are their specifics?

We have a vast variety of creatures that inhabit our realm. They range from good to evil and everywhere in-between. While it is not a complete list (we reserve some for the element of surprise!) we have created a Creature Chart of our most common inhabitants for you to peruse. If you have any questions about these creatures or have a favorite that isn't included in our list, email us at info@the-dragons-keep.com and let us know!

Are the rules and creatures similar to Dungeons and Dragons?

While there are some similarities between TDK and D&D, not all rules and creatures are created equal. For a full list of TDK Rules go to this page: Rules. For a list of some of the more common inhabitants of our realm go to this page: Creature Chart.

Who enforces the rules?

The "Gods" up in the booth enforce the rules.

Who/what is the voice in the booth and/or Who is this God person anyway?

The "Gods" are similar to the "Dungeon Master" in D&D. They are the ones who enforce the rules and are the final judges as to what spells work and which ones just fizzle. If any party member ever argues with "The Gods" that party member is forced to immediately suffer a cruel, unusual death. Be Warned! Our "Gods" can be quite mischievous with the outcome of your spell - so be certain you are VERY SPECIFIC when casting spells!

Do I have to be familiar with the story and characters, in order to play?

While it makes it more interesting and rewarding for you if you follow the story, it isn't a prerequisite for game-play. Also, if you miss an episode or two and need to "catch up" you can go to our Story Thus Far page and check out a summary of the happenings in the realm.

Do I have to come in costume, in order to play?

A costume is not required, but if you do choose to wear character garb you are eligible for a discounted ticket price (even if you don't submit a Character Card).

Are there basic guidelines for what is considered a costume?

We understand that not everyone can shell out the cash for real armor and whatnot, but we do expect you to come up with something a little better than a Nike shirt turned inside out to receive the costume discount. Look at it this way - it's a good excuse to brush the dust off that old Halloween costume that's been hanging in your closet for the past five years.

Can I bring my own weapons?

You are welcome to bring your own foam/latex weapons, but they will need to be inspected at the box office prior to the beginning of the show. No weapons are allowed on stage without approval by our blacksmith or his apprentice. Under no circumstances will PLASTIC weapons be permitted on stage (like the ones you find in a Halloween store). If you would like to build your own weapons and aren't sure how to do so, please click here and you will be taken to a step- by-step how to page. If you don't have the time, or don't wish to build your own weapons, we recommend the Knighthawk Armoury where you can purchase them directly (cost of weapons range from $25 - $150). If you are chosen for the quest, and you do not bring your own weapons, our blacksmith will be happy to outfit you and your party with weaponry to assist in the quest. If you have more questions please email our TDK weapons expert at weapons@the-dragons-keep.com.

Are the actors really improvising?

Yes. There is a loose outline for each show to keep chaos to a minimum, but there are no scripted lines. Also, whenever you add the element of audience members to any show, there's really no way to predict which way the show will go.... It's always a total surprise... especially to our writers!

Who are the actors? Is this their full-time job?

The troupe is comprised of several people with multiple, outstanding parking tickets that have been sentenced to a lot of community service hours, so they figured, "why not act?" The actors actually come from a wide range of backgrounds. Several of our troupe members also have their own: independent touring shows, galleries, instructional stage combat classes, etc. For more information about the cast go to our Bios Page or go to our Links Page to find out what other projects the cast members are working on.

So what's the deal with spells? Why do they have to rhyme? Why the Orb? How many spells can I cast?

For answers to these questions and others concerning Game-Play, please see our Rules.